Portable video system including a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a video unit

ABSTRACT

A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/423,732, filed on Apr. 25, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,239, theentirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a video system, and more particularlyto a portable video system.

2. Discussion of Related Art

As society becomes more mobile and therefore spends a greater amount oftime traveling and away from home, demand rises for electronicappliances and devices outside the home environment. For example,recently, consoles having video cassette players and screens have beenmounted on in vehicles, facilitating video entertainment on the road.However, the video player or screen cannot be removed from the consoleor interior of a vehicle. Thus, videos may only be viewed with suchsystems when occupying the vehicle. Further, there is also a risk oftheft of the video system and corresponding damage to the vehicle whenthe vehicle is unattended.

While portable or small TVs with video cassette players can be used invarious environments, it is difficult to secure such devices. When notsecured, such devices can become a hazard, for example, inside a movingvehicle or in a busy work environment.

Therefore, a need exists for a video system adaptable to variousenvironments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable videosystem comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium,the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the videoplayer on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate forselectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate,wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the baseunit.

The hinge is disposed between the display and the control panel and thedisplay is pivotable from a stowed position wherein the display lies ina plane parallel to a plane of the control panel, to variable positionsabout an axis defined by the hinge.

The system further comprises a receiver for receiving control signalsfrom a remote control device.

The video medium is a digital videodisk.

The base unit comprises an adapter for receiving an AC or a DC powersource, the base unit providing power to a coupled video unit.

The display is an LCD type monitor.

The base unit comprises a jack for connecting an external device to asecured video unit, wherein a signal is carried between the securedvideo unit and the external device.

The substrate is a bag for housing the video player and the display, thebag having a flap cover for opening and closing a portion of the bag,and fastening means for suspending the bag, wherein the flap cover isopened for accessing the video player and the display. The bag issuspended from a seat of the vehicle.

The base unit comprises a means for securing the control panel.

Each of the base unit and the video unit comprises a pin array, whereinthe respective pin arrays connect the base unit to the video unit.

The video unit is one of a clamshell-type video unit, a drawer-typevideo unit, and a slot-type video unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a base unit of aportable video system comprises a means for securing the base unit to asubstrate, a means for securing a removable video unit to the base unit,and a pin array for providing power to a secured removable video unit.

The pin array carries a signal between the secured removable video unitand an external device.

The signal is one of an audio signal and a video signal.

The base unit comprises a light source.

A cover is secured to the base unit in the absence of the removablevideo unit. The cover comprises a connection to the means for providingpower and a light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described belowin more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a clamshell-type video system according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a drawer-type video system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is an illustration of a slot-type video system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D is an illustration of a base unit and a cover according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1E is an illustration of a video system comprising a latchmechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1F is an illustration of a video system comprising a pressurefitting according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1G is an illustration of a video system comprising a screwaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an installed portable video systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a portable video system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a portable video system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary power supply connection of a portable videosystem to a wall outlet according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary power supply connection of a portable videosystem inside a vehicle according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a base unit according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 6B and 6C are illustrations of securing means of the base unitaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 7A-7C are illustrations of installed base units according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a portable video system according to anembodiment of the present invention comprises a video unit 100 and abase unit 101. The video unit 100 comprises a hinge 102, and a pivotabledisplay 103 pivotally attached to a video player 104 on the hinge 102.The display 103 can be pivoted away from the video player 104 andadjusted to a desired viewing angle by a user. The display 103 can befolded down flat against the video player 104. When folded, the display103 lies along a plane parallel to the plane of the video player 104.

The hinge 102 allows the display 103 to be positioned at various anglesfor facilitating viewing of the display when the video player 104 is setin different positions. For example, if the video player 104 is in anupright position (with the control panel being horizontal relative tothe ground and facing up), the display 103 is preferably positioned atabout a 90-degree angle from the control panel. In another example, ifthe video player 104 is in a horizontal position (with the control panelin a vertical position relative to the ground), the display ispreferably adjusted to about a 180-degree angle from the video player104.

The pivotable display 103 comprises an LCD type monitor or flat-paneldisplay. The video player 104 comprises an apparatus for receiving avideo medium, such as a videocassette or a DVD. The apparatus can be,for example, a clamshell-type door 106 for receiving a videocassette andcovering a DVD read head and spindle (not shown). The control panel 105comprises a plurality of control buttons for controlling the functionsof the video player, for example, volume control, fast forward, rewind,pause, eject and play, and a power on/off button.

While the video unit 100 has been described in terms of a clamshell-typedevice, the video unit 100 can be embodied in other configurations, forexample, as a drawer-type device comprising a drawer 107 and a spindle108 for securing a disk 109 in place as shown in FIG. 1B. While thevideo unit 100 is shown receiving the disk 109 on an underside of thedrawer 107, it is to be understood that the video unit 100 can also beconfigured to receive the disk 109 on a topside of the drawer 107depending on a desired application. The video unit 100 can also beembodied as, for example, a slot-type device, as shown in FIG. 1C.

The video player 104 can include audio/video input and/or output jacks110 for optional connections with external audio/video sources such asvideo game players, camcorders, computers, television or additionalvideo screens, headphones, and the like. The video player 104 and/or thecontrol panel 105 can include an infrared (IR) port 111 for connectingto wireless devices such as wireless headphones. In addition, it is tobe appreciated that the IR port 111 can receive control signals from aremote control device. The video player 104 can also include vehicleconvenience features, for example, a dome light 130.

The video unit can be coupled to a base unit 101. The base unit can besecurely fastened to a substrate such as a vehicle's ceiling, under ahanging cabinet in a kitchen, or on a tabletop. The base unit 101comprises a quick release mechanism 112 for securing and releasing thevideo player 104. The quick release mechanism 112 can include a button113 for releasing a catch 114, which is secured to the video player 104by pressing the video player 104 securely into the base unit 101. A rearportion of the video player 104 can be secured by a projection 115 thatfits within a hollow in the rear portion of the video player 104. Thepivotable display 103 can be adjusted at various angles despite thevideo player 104 being secured in the base unit 101.

The base unit can optionally comprise a pin array 116 that connects to acorresponding pin array of the video player 104 for providing, forexample, power to the video unit 100, a television antenna connection,and audio/video input/output connections. When the video player 104 issecured to the base unit 101, the pin array of the base unit 101physically connects to the pin array of the video player 104. Thus, thebase unit 101 can comprise, for example, headphone jacks 117 for playingan audio track from the video unit 100. The base unit 101 can alsocomprise, for example, a connection to auxiliary speakers or videoscreens 118.

When the video unit 100 is removed from the base unit 101, a cover 119can conceal a portion of the base unit 101. The cover 119 ismanufactured from a material such as, plastic, wood, and/or aluminum.The cover 119 can comprise a dome light for illuminating the interior ofthe vehicle.

The cover 119 and video player 104 can be secured by the samemechanisms. Thus, the cover 119 and the video player 104 can have one ormore features in common, such as openings for receiving latches and thelike. Referring to FIG. 1E, the cover 119 is secured by a latchmechanism comprising a latch 120 that passes into a bottom portion ofthe cover 119. The latch 120 is momentarily displaced as the cover 119is coupled with the base unit 101. A spring 121 secures the latch 120 inthe bottom portion of the cover 119. The latch 120 can be pressed,aligning a hook portion 122 of the latch with an opening in the bottomportion of the cover 119 or video player 104, and the cover 119 or videoplayer 104 can be pulled away from the base unit 101. Referring to FIG.1F, the cover 119 or video player 104 can be secured by a pressurefitting 123, wherein the base includes a channel into which a rib of thecover fits securely, or in the alternative, the cover includes a channelinto which a rib of the base fits securely. Referring to FIG. 1G,another example of a mechanism for securing the cover 119 or videoplayer 104 is a screw 124 secured to the cover 119 comprising a lobe 125that passes into the base unit 101 at a certain position, wherein thelobe aligns with an opening in the base unit 101. The screw 124 can beturned to misalign the lobe with the opening, securing the cover 119 tothe base unit 101. Further still, the cover 119 can be secured by othermechanisms, including, for example, locks, clips, and the like. Acombination of securing mechanisms can be used.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a set up of a portable video unit 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. A bag 201,comprising an integrated base unit, secures the video player 104 of thevideo unit 100. The bag 201 can be suspended from objects affixed insidea vehicle, for example, between a pair of seats 200, for viewing by rearseat passenger viewers. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 2 shows thevideo unit 100 suspended between front seats 200 of a vehicle in asubstantially upright position by a bag 201, which includes acompartment for containing the video unit 100. In this position, a panel202 of the bag and the video player 104 of the video player 100 face arear seat. The bag 201 can be suspended behind a second row of seats invehicles equipped with three rows of seating.

While FIG. 2 depicts a clamshell-type video unit 100, it is to beunderstood that other types of video units can be implemented with thebag 201. For example, the video unit 100 can be a slot-type unit or adrawer-type unit.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the bag 201 includes a flap cover 301, which is,partially removable and can be opened or closed by a user. The flapcover 301 is preferably held closed by VELCRO® type material fastener302 disposed at an upper portion of panel 202 of the bag. The flap cover301 is peeled open from the VELCRO fastener, and when opened, permitsaccess to the video player 105 and exposes the display 103. With the bagsuspended in the position as shown in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 2, the display 103 is pivoted to around 180 degrees from thecontrol panel for viewing. When the display 103 is closed, the flapcover 301 can be closed against the VELCRO material fastener 302 and thevideo player 105 and the display 103 cannot be accessed.

The bag also includes a ventilation panel 303 for further facilitatingair circulation through a side panel 304 of the bag 201.

The bag 201 preferably includes adjustable upper fastening means 203 tosecure and suspend the video bag from, for example, each headrest offront seats 200, and adjustable lower fastening means 204 to secure andsuspend the video bag from, for example, each leg of front seats 200,thus positioning the video unit 100 securely between the front seats 200for viewing. The adjustable upper and lower fastening means, 203 and204, include straps, VELCRO fasteners, buckles, snaps, buttons, orhooks. The bag 201 also includes a carrying strap 305 for carrying thevideo unit during transport, as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary auxiliary power connection of a portablevideo system to a wall outlet. A top face 410 of the bag 201 includes anopening 406 to facilitate insertion of an electrical cord 404 into thevideo player. The electrical cord may include, for example, an AC-DCadapter 405 for connection to a wall outlet 407. Power can be suppliedto the video unit 100 from the auxiliary power connection through theintegrated base unit. Further, the bag 201 comprises a battery forportable power supply to the video unit 100. Power can be selectablysupplied to the video unit from the auxiliary power connection or thebattery.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary auxiliary power connection of a portablevideo system to a cigarette lighter of a vehicle in an aspect of thepresent invention. The opening 406 can facilitate connection, forexample, to a DC 12V jack 502 of a cord 503. A DC 12V adaptor 504coupled to cord 503 connects with a cigarette lighter receptacle of avehicle for supplying power to the video unit.

It is to be appreciated that a portable video system according to thepresent invention is easily removable from and can be operated outsideof a vehicle, for example, in home or office environments. In addition,the bag for containing the video unit can be attached to and thussuspend the video unit from various other objects, such as chairs,walls, doors, etc. It is also to be appreciated that the video unit canbe operated when removed from the bag 201.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the base unit 101 includes a bottom portion 601.The base unit 101 can be connected to the vehicle's electrically system.A power receptacle 602 in the bottom portion 601 can accept a powersource 603, such as an AC or DC power supply. The power receptacle 602is a pin array and can include additional connections for audio/videosignals to external devices, for example, a vehicle's stereo system. Thebottom portion 601 also comprises a means for securing the base unit 101to a substrate. The securing means can include, for example, a clip asshown in FIG. 6B, a screw as shown in FIG. 6C, double sided tape, or thelike. A combination of various securing means can also be implemented.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the base unit 101 can be affixed to varioussubstrates. For example, the base unit 101 can be affixed to a ceilingof a vehicle 701, for securing the video unit 100. The base unit 101 canbe affixed to the underside of a cabinet 702 as shown in FIG. 7B forsecuring the video unit 100. The base unit 101 can be secured to variousother substrates, such as a tabletop 703 as shown in FIG. 7C, or a wall.

Having described embodiments for a portable video system, it is notedthat modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in theart in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understoodthat changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the inventiondisclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention withthe details and particularity required by the patent laws, what isclaimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in theappended claims.

1. A portable video system comprising: a video unit for facilitatingplay of a video medium, the video unit having a control panel; a displaypivotally attached to the video unit; and a plurality of base unitssecured to a plurality of respective substrates for selectively couplingthe video unit, including the control panel and the display, to eachrespective substrate, wherein: the video unit can be selectivelyun-coupled from each of the plurality of base units, the plurality ofsubstrates include a vehicle ceiling and the underside of hangingfurniture, and the video unit is coupled to at least one base unit usinga pressure fitting mechanism, wherein the pressure fitting mechanismcomprises a channel formed in the at least one base unit, and a ribformed on the video unit, wherein the rib fits into the channel to formthe pressure fit.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsubstrates further includes a top surface of a piece of furniture. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein when the video unit is coupled to the topsurface of the piece of furniture, the video unit is inverted relativeto when the video unit is coupled to the vehicle ceiling.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the display is capable of showing video when thevideo unit is positioned in different orientations based on thelocations of the plurality of substrates and base units.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of substrates and base units arepositioned in different locations.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast one substrate is positioned in a vehicle and at least one othersubstrate positioned outside of the vehicle.
 7. A portable video systemcomprising: a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, thevideo unit having a control panel; a display pivotally attached to thevideo unit; and a plurality of base units secured to a plurality ofrespective substrates for selectively coupling the video unit, includingthe control panel and the display, to each respective substrate,wherein: the video unit can be selectively un-coupled from each of theplurality of base units, the plurality of substrates include a vehicleceiling and the underside of hanging furniture, and the video unit iscoupled to at least one base unit using a pressure fitting mechanism,wherein the pressure fitting mechanism comprises a channel formed in thevideo unit, and a rib formed on the at least one base unit, wherein therib fits into the channel to form the pressure fit.